‘My spine is tingling already,’ says Carl Hester ahead of World Championships
Carl Hester on 36 years at the worlds and Aachen’s sold-out freestyle finale
If anyone had told me I’d be competing at a World Championship 36 years after my first, I wouldn’t have believed them. In fact, I can hardly believe it myself! This year I’ve had some of the nicest rides on Fame, so I’m delighted to be going to Aachen along with team-mates Fiona Bigwood, Lottie Fry and Becky Moody.
This year’s team has a reliable base of experience. Becky, Lottie and I have brought home medals as a team since Paris 2024. Fiona has been on teams before: silver at the worlds in Kentucky, silver at the Aachen Europeans five years later and silver again at the Rio Olympics – same as me – so she knows exactly what it takes to stand on the podium.
It’ll be a team debut for her home-bred mare Donna Bella – daughter of Fiona’s Olympic ride Orthilia – so once again we have a rider who has bred and produced a horse to top level. Together with Becky and Jagerbomb, it’s a story the press and the public should love. Hopefully, Lottie can continue the superb form and tip-top condition Glamourdale has been showing.
Many people say that Britain is favourite for the team gold, but trying to win gold in Aachen is a tall order. Anything is possible, though, and we’ll go as a team full of confidence and hope.
The selectors certainly had to fulfil their roles to the hilt this year, and it was a close call between Fiona and Charlotte Dujardin for the fourth spot. Either one of them would have ably supported the team.
The reserves are Charlotte and Brave Heart (first reserve), the wonderful Susan Pape who, at 63, proves age is no boundary, with her lovely mare Harmony’s Giulilanta, and Sadie Smith, who is also a popular choice. It might have been a little too early for Sadie and Swanmore Dantina this year, but I expect we’ll see them on teams in the future.
A great showdown
Competing in Aachen is always an impressive experience, but this year, with the freestyle in the main arena at 7pm on the Saturday night in front of 40,000 people, it will be incredible. Tickets have already sold out. Although none of us knows yet whether we’ll make it that far, that evening is set to be a great showdown. My spine is tingling already at the thought of it.
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With Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle, Lottie and Glamourdale and Isabell Werth and Wendy De Fontaine in the mix, I couldn’t possibly call the winner, but I’d also add Becky and Bomb to the mix.
By the way, having enjoyed Hickstead so much this year, I’m thrilled to hear that at next year’s competition, there will be a CDIO Nations Cup.
We miss you Stephen
There have been so many tributes to Stephen Clarke, which is not surprising as he was loved and respected all over the world. Stephen was one of the most popular figures, if not the most popular figure, the world of dressage has ever seen. I can only add my thoughts to those from across the dressage world and wider.
Remembering Stephen as a rider was always easy, with that distinctive moustache and top hat back in the 1980s. He then became a leading judge. Considering everything Stephen gave to horses and dressage, I don’t think we’ll ever find someone so supportive – not only of judges but riders.
We could always guarantee Stephen’s honest, unbiased opinion on our training and performance. Stephen, on behalf of all of us riders, we will miss seeing your face whether at C or another position around the arena.
Stephen’s confidence as a judge gave us confidence to win gold at the London 2012 Olympics. He gave that gentle nod, a smile and said: “Go for it.” Such simple words that took the nerves out of all our performances.
Right now, our thoughts are with Julian who, apart from being a caring partner to Stephen for 40 years, ran Somerford Park’s events and, prior to that, shows at their home Cotton Equestrian Centre, which were always most convivial.
Stephen, we’ll carry your words in our hearts in Aachen.
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